The Cleveland Browns secured Myles Garrett with a historic contract extension last year, and the move appeared to end months of speculation about the franchise’s future with its most dominant player.
But a subtle adjustment to that deal has quietly reignited discussion around a scenario many believed was off the table: a potential trade involving the All-Pro defensive end.
Garrett, one of the league’s most disruptive defenders, signed a massive four-year extension in March 2025 worth roughly $160 million. The agreement, which averages about $40 million per season with more than $120 million guaranteed, made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL at the time and tied him to Cleveland through the 2030 season.
The contract also ended a tense offseason in which Garrett had publicly requested a trade, saying his goal was to compete for a Super Bowl after years of frustration with the team’s struggles. Cleveland ultimately refused to move him and instead doubled down on its commitment by giving the former Defensive Player of the Year a record deal.
For a while, that seemed to settle the matter. Yet recent reporting suggests that the Browns and Garrett have adjusted certain language within the contract, a technical change that could make it easier for Cleveland to move the star defender under the right circumstances.
The modification doesn’t mean the Browns are actively shopping Garrett. In fact, the organization has repeatedly maintained that he remains a cornerstone of its long-term plans. But by tweaking specific clauses, the deal may now provide more flexibility if either side ever decides a fresh start is necessary.
At 29, Garrett remains one of the NFL‘s premier edge rushers and one of the few defensive players capable of altering a game on his own. He has been the centerpiece of Cleveland‘s defense since the team selected him with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, consistently delivering elite production year after year.
The extension itself came after a turbulent stretch between player and team. Early in 2025, Garrett shocked the NFL by requesting a trade in hopes of joining a contender following another disappointing season for Cleveland. The Browns finished 3-14 that year, fueling his frustration with the franchise’s direction.
Why a contract tweak matters more than it seems
Contract language in the NFL can dramatically influence how feasible a trade might be. Guarantees, bonuses, and timing of cap hits all determine whether moving a player would cripple a team’s salary cap or remain financially manageable.
If a deal contains rigid protections, such as a strict no-trade clause or difficult cap penalties, it can make a move nearly impossible. But when those elements are adjusted, even slightly, the contract can become significantly more tradable.
That appears to be the underlying significance of the Browns‘ revision with Garrett.
In practical terms, the change gives Cleveland optionality. If the franchise rebounds and competes for championships, Garrett will remain the cornerstone of its defense for years to come. But if the team enters another rebuilding cycle, or if Garrett again pushes for a move, the contract structure may no longer be the obstacle it once was.
